Chris Smalling expects "big things" from Shinji Kagawa

Chris Smalling has backed his teammate Shinji Kagawa to produce the goods on a regular basis for Manchester United next season.

Japanese international Kagawa joined the Red Devils last summer from Borussia Dortmund and went on to score six times from his 26 outings in all competitions.

The midfielder himself recently conceded that he is hoping to improve his performances over the coming months, and centre-back Smalling is of a similar mindset.

"I think he'll get stronger and stronger. Last season he did very well and contributed significantly," he told the club's official website.

"It's always difficult in your first season and for Shinji, who didn't speak much English, it must have been even tougher.

"I think we'll see big things from him this season now that he's more settled and he's integrated more. I think he could be stronger than ever."

Both players are part of the United squad that is in Japan for Friday's friendly against Cerezo Osaka.